Automatic calibration method for engine misfire detection system

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for systematically calibrating an engine misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine. The present invention provides a method of collecting a plurality of groups of sample data points. Each of the groups of sample data points represents a cylinder firing event. Optionally, misfire events can be induced during the collection of the groups of sample data points. Using the collected data points, a plurality of compensation parameters is then generated and applied iteratively to the sample data points to generally optimize the detection of misfire occurrences. Compensation parameters that produce a high accuracy misfire detection are selected and can be exported from the calibration system to transport to an engine controller in an internal combustion engine. Compensation of edge-to-edge error in engine speed data, engine noise, misfire signal magnitude, and filtering zone boundary coefficients enhance signal quality and further enhance misfire detection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to a method for calibration an automobile engine misfire detection system.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Automobile engine misfires increase the amount of unburned combustion byproducts passing through the catalytic converter. Engine misfire occurs as a result of the absence of spark in a cylinder, poor fuel metering, poor compression, or other similar conditions. Over time, regular engine misfire can lead to damage of the catalytic converter and, consequently, increased amounts of unburned byproducts being admitted into the atmosphere.[0003]Many motor vehicles with fuel feedback control systems are equipped with an emission malfunction indicator that identifies a misfiring engine and the particular malfunctioning component or components. Thus, upon the malfunction indicator being activated, the vehicle operator could proceed to a qualified vehicle repair cent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides a method for calibrating an engine misfire detection system for an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of collecting a plurality of groups of sample data points. Each of the groups of sample data points represents a cylinder firing event. Optionally, misfire events can be induced during the collection of the groups of sample

Problems solved by technology

Automobile engine misfires increase the amount of unburned combustion byproducts passing through the catalytic converter.

Engine misfire occurs as a result of the absence of spark in a cylinder, poor fuel metering, poor compression, or other similar conditions.

Over time, regular engine misfire can lead to damage of the catalytic converter and, consequently, increased amounts of unburned byproducts being admitted into the atmosphere.

In particular, calibration of misfire detection systems requires significant time and can be expensive.

Additionally, it is difficult to achieve optimal calibration when doing calibration manually.

Images